International Internet Magazine. Baltic States news & analytics
Saturday, 04.02.2012, 06:51
The europact: outcomes for the Baltic States
31.01.2012It was hardly any doubt that the agreement, called “financial compact”, would be accepted by the EU member states’ majority at the summit during last January days in 2012. A slight surprise was the Czech’s government decision to join the UK in opposing the drastic financial measures for the member states. There are however some lessons to learn for the Baltic States.
Davos provides impetus for “shaping new models”
27.01.2012Discussions among the world's political and economic leaders on the future of capitalism in Davos attract peoples’ attention. Can capitalism created in the world in the 20th century survive in the 21st century? Or can it possibly emerge in another, completely new and more updated form? These and other questions alike need urgent answers, important for the Baltic States leaders and businessmen as well.
Active aging in the EU: problems, priorities and solutions
16.01.2012The European Commission published an extensive survey on active ageing to understand citizens' views and attitudes towards older people. The survey also covers the contribution of older people to economy and society at large. It shows the optimal ways to promote the active role of older people for the benefit of all. The survey could be a good guiding point for the Baltic States’ health policies.
Danish rotating Presidency in the Council in 2012
03.01.2012Danish tasks for the coming six months at the helm of the EU Council’s Presidency are both complicated and ambitious. The Baltic States’ turn for the same arrangements is approaching and they can definitely learn a thing or two of the present Danish experience. The BC is accredited at the Danish Presidency and we are going to inform the readers about the event and its outcomes.
Active Ageing: the EU policy for 2012
28.12.2011The European Commission nominated 2012 the European Year for Active Ageing and Solidarity between generations. Both aspects are important: active aging serves economic and human ends while generational solidarity provides social ingredients. The member states and social partners would use the years’ opportunity to raise awareness for action to bring about real changes aimed at supporting older citizens in Europe. The European Year is built around three pillars: working longer, participatory ageing and independent living.
A historic moment for Russia at the EU-Russia summit: WTO membership
16.12.2011Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to be effective in 2012 brings the total number of WTO members to 157. The EU is also expected to formally conclude its bilateral negotiations with Russia. Russia’s WTO accession makes a new opportunity for talks with the EU officials at the present EU-Russia summit. Russia’s membership in WTO provides new opportunities for Baltic States’ trade.
New scheme to help SMEs get loans for research and innovation
06.12.2011The European Commission and the European Investment Bank Group launched a new guarantee facility for innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to help them access finance from banks. The Baltic banks have to be more active.
